WIMR joins call for the Federal Government to release the full $1 billion of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF)

Medical research sector warns: The cost of doing nothing is far greater than the cost of research

WIMR is proud to support the Australian Association of Medical Research Institutes’ (AAMRI) ‘Half the Funding. Half the Future’ campaign, calling on the Federal Government to release the full $1 billion annual distribution of the MRFF in the 2026-2027 Federal Budget.

Financial modelling from the Parliamentary Budget Office, commissioned by Dr Monique Ryan MP, confirms the MRFF can safely release $1 billion a year without eroding its capital base.

AAMRI CEO Dr Saraid Billiards said the sector is at breaking point, “This isn’t about asking for more – it’s about using the money that’s already there, for the purpose it was created. 

“Institutes across the country are already cutting back. Without full funding, critical research will stall, jobs will be lost, treatments will be delayed and breakthroughs that could save lives in ten years simply won’t happen.”

Dr Billiards said the campaign also emphasises the need for the MRFF funds to be used where they are needed most.

“The indirect costs of research – things like cybersecurity for sensitive patient data, maintaining specialised biobanks, and keeping equipment safe and compliant – are not optional extras.

“They are the infrastructure that allows discoveries to happen. Without them, the science stops.

“We’re running this campaign because we’ve reached the point where institutes can’t absorb those costs anymore. The MRFF was designed to secure the future of Australian medical research. Now it needs to deliver on that promise.”

WIMR Executive Director, Professor Philip O’Connell joined the call for action, saying, “The MRFF was created to deliver at least $1 billion each year to back Australian medical research. Right now, only about $650 million is being released – while programs are cut, researchers leave and discoveries stall.

“The MRFF was built to fund discoveries that save lives – from cancer breakthroughs to better mental health care. Right now, half that potential is locked away.

“Australian researchers are some of the most productive and cost efficient in the world. However, our ability to improve the health outcomes of all Australians is being restrained by a lack of access to funds that already exist.

“What we need now is action.”

You can join WIMR and support this campaign by visiting www.aamri.org.au/mrff. There you will find more information, as well as resources to help share your message of support on social media, or email your local member urging for the release of the full MRFF funds.

Together, we can keep Australian research strong, sustainable, and delivering hope.